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LERA LEVINSKI SUPER MODEL Model: Lera Levinski @lera.levinski • PH: Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo • Dress: Farinaz Fz @farinazfz I Bag: GH Haus @ghhaus_official • Fashion producer: Valeri Manziuk @manziuk_v_

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MARTIN KOVE TRIBUTE AWARD

® LETTER FROM THE EDITOR W

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson

elcome readers to another wonderful issue of Hollywood Weekly. We are so honored to be featuring top-fashion model Lera Levinski. Her beautiful four page layout filled with colorful, vibrant images will dazzle your senses. We're happy to have her grace our cover.

SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer

We also continue in this Issue of Hollywood Weekly reprinting our original 2013 "HW Tiger King Series," which we published from 2013 through 2018. Please enjoy this 2016 HW Cover story on Joe Exotic from our "HW Tiger King Series" entitled JOE EXOTIC 2016 FOR PRESIDENT. The Joe Exotic that we met in 2013 is not the same person you have seen portrayed in other media outlets. Our HW Tiger King Series as a whole will tell you who Joe Exotic really is and WHY we named him "The Tiger King" in March of 2013.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jenny Werth Ike Sinha

As always we thank you, our readers. We are who we are because of you...

Anthony Ewart Associate Editor

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem

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LEVINSKI 4 LERA Super Model GEITS 8 KAROLINA New York City Fashion Constraints 12 HITHA Live Life TIGER KING SERIES (2016) 14 Part 3 of 4 (Joe Exotic for President) SKYE 18 AZURA Swerving into a Powerfully Emotional Role 20 SCORPION-GIRL A conversation with Surinder Multani SCOTT PRYOR 24 TOM HANKS 26 Back on the set of "Elvis" KOVE 28 MARTIN Tribute Award BEDSIDE READING 30 Hw's Favorite Authors POETRY 34 ORIGINAL Lonely Men looking for Lady Death (12s)

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"TULSA" and the Risks and Joys of Filmmaking

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY A PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED BY PRATHER JACKSON HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT TO: PRATHER@ HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 RESEDA BLVD #117, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL: (424) 371-9900

LERA LEVINSKI

FA SH ION

Super Model LERA LEVINSKI

T

oday I’m speaking with Lera Levinski.

I’ve wanted to connect with her for a long time. But, before we talk about her career, let’s take a look at the collaboration she’s here to represent.

Q: Lera, you’ve already been to LA fashion week, in October of last year, as part of the Farinaz Fz team. Today you are representing these guys again, but in an expanded format, and this time you are appearing in our magazine. If I understand correctly, you’ve been on good terms with Farinaz Fz ever since last October.

So, this begs the question: is your current collaboration with them based on personal friendship, or is it a full-blown commercial project you are working on together? Tell us about what’s happening, that is if it’s not a secret.

A: There’s no secret. Of course it’s a commercial project, but one that would never have happened if were was no sympathy. Luckily, I can afford not to represent people whose work I do not understand or whose work I don’t like.

I’ve had my eye on Adolfo Sanchez and Malina Fashion for quite a while now, and I really like what they do. So, when I found out they were going to work with Farinaz Fz, I agreed to participate.

At the same time, I can’t really imagine saying no to Farinaz if she had asked me to be part of it (laughs), because our relationship really does transcend business, and she is not only a great designer, but also a wonderful friend. For some time now, we have been doing things for each other that would not fall under any collaboration, or purely business projects. I value her friendship very much, and I am simply in love with her work.

Q: When did you first notice her, and what about her stood out to you?

A: It was at LA fashion week. But I can’t say that she stood out to me because of the beauty of her collection alone, or because of any one thing: what caught my 4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Dress: MALINA Fashion @malina_fashion • Shoes: D&G • Ph: Max CHumanov @vir2art

attention was precisely the overall effect she created.

You know without me telling you that no one gets into a fashion week by accident - whether it’s NY or LA, all the participants are incredibly talented, and they usually represent very interesting collections.

But the kind of thing that was happening near her pavilion - I’ve never seen that anywhere. Literally every single person who approached it asked about all of her pieces. You know what I mean? Not just the collection as a whole, but each separate piece. Myself, included. Everything she had brought was just indescribably beautiful. If I hadn’t known that this was her first collection ever, I would never have believed it.

Q: I understand completely. I wouldn’t have believed it either, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. What do you think will be remembered about the collaboration of Adolfo Sanches and Malina Fashion? They are very different styles, after all.

A: Yes, stylistically they are very different.

But what fundamentally unifies them is that they are inspired by the parties and events of Hollywood. Yes, they are all intended for completely different events it couldn’t be any other way - but they are all very festive, and each outfit from these collections was just made to be worn on the red carpet. This is a fashion that was created for Hollywood.

Q: Alright, we’ll have a chance to look at the collaboration. Let’s talk a little bit about you now. I noticed you’re learning Spanish with an app on your phone. What is that for? Just for fun?

A: When I answer this question I’m usually kidding that when I was little girl, I loved the popular TV show “The Wild Angel”, so now I’m learning Spanish so I can watch it in the original language (laughs). But if seriously, though, I think communication is one of the most important aspects of our life. I’m working in LA, which has a huge number of Spanish-speaking people, and

Dress: MALINA Fashion @malina_fashion • Shoes: D&G • PH: Max CHumanov @vir2art HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5

I think it’s essential to understand the people around me. Not just for my own comfort, but also out of respect for the culture I’m part of. In the US I have established a rule for myself: if you want something, you have to ask for it; if there’s something you don’t know, you have to ask about it, too.

Ask and you will almost always receive an enthusiastic answer. Communication opens all doors, and makes the world we live in more interesting. The US is wonderful as talented people can achieve success despite any of the circumstantial things that might interfere with their success somewhere else - things like gender, race, body type, or other physical characteristics. It’s also very cool that there are people here like Valeri Manziuk - those who helps talented people from throughout the world make it in the fashion industry, get them into world level fashion weeks, and provide all kinds of consulting. However, for myself, I have long ago realized that the fewer language barriers you have as an individual, the easier it is to move through the world and toward your goals. I would love to learn two or three more languages, but that takes a lot of time and effort. If I’ll have enough of both these things, I will continue to learn languages.

Dress: Farinaz FZ @farinazfz • Shoes: D&G • Ph: Elvira Barnett @elvirab.photography

Q: So even in a business like modeling you can say with certainty that the main thing is communication?

A: I am absolutely certain of it. I became even more convinced of this when I started working with Thomas Zeumer. He never could have given the world so many superstars of the fashion industry, if his approach hadn’t been personal sympathy and mutual understanding of the people he works with. Before I met him personally, I had imagined the secret of his success differently. Yes, he is definitely a person of extremely rare charisma and charm. Thomas never worries about things needlessly and is always able to remain easy-going himself, as well as in his communication with others. But his secret is in something else: he knows how to recognize talent on a deeper level, not only by what the person he’s working with shows of themselves, but also through communicating with them. He might see a person’s talent much more clearly and deeply than the person sees it themselves.

Q: So, apart from knowing how to communicate, is anything else important? I’m sure that there have been some other things in your, in my opinion, successful career, that have helped you.

A: Yes, I would say my acting skills, for 6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Dress: Farinaz FZ @farinazfz • Shoes: D&G • Ph: Elvira Barnett @elvirab.photography

which I trained in Moscow. Thomas was one of the people who noted that this is something that helps models. It’s one thing to just walk down a runway, but to truly be master over your own body and it’s micro-mimicry, as well as be “eloquently do not move” and expressively silent - that’s something acting classes can really help with. Everything else depends on desire and determination to succeed. Let me say it one more time: there are plenty of opportunities in the US for people who really want to achieve something.

Q: OK. I already understand why you do like US, but surely there are things you’ve noticed in the time you’ve been here, that you may still don’t understand.

A: The food. Here, everyone, everywhere is always talking about food. Since I’ve been in the USA, I have gotten the impression that people here meet not only to spend time together, but to eat together.

And when you say you don’t want to meet at a restaurant or bar people don’t know what to do besides that. When I meet my

Dress: Farinaz FZ @farinazfz • Shoes: D&G • Ph: Elvira Barnett @elvirab.photography

friends I prefer to walk by the ocean, to go hiking, to visit a spa, to do water activities or shopping, to visit some exhibitions or to visit tea rooms. But here people almost always talk about where they going to eat.

And if you get recommendations from a friend to visit an exotic country, then in the first place, of course, it will be recommendations where to go to eat abroad, but not what sites to visit (laughs). But then I understood that there is nothing strange about this, it’s just that I think differently about how to spend time, and it’s important to hang out with people who share your interests. So, that’s what I try to do.

Q: To finish off, what are your plans for the future?

A: Photo shoots for online stores, magazines, participation in shows at fashion weeks.

Q: Wholeheartedly wish you success in your modeling career and in learning Spanish too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! See you at the New York fashion week!

Super Model

Dress: Asanchez @asanchezfashion Ph: Elvira Barnett @elvirab.photography

Lera Levinski Dress: Asanchez @asanchezfashion • Ph: Elvira Barnett @elvirab.photography HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7

Undercover

New York City fashion constraints Revelations

by famous model Karolina Geits

8 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

mpty gray streets, lonely sunbeams scraping through the majestic skyscrapers and silence ... New York has never been like this! The most popular city in the world with its raging pace of life is empty. About how life is going in NYC now, what restrictions are in place and how the fashion industry survives in quarantine, we decided to learn from the famous American model Karolina Geits.

E

Author: Karolina, please, tell us how your life changed during the quarantine period and what habits did you have to break?

Karolina: You know if initially quarantine, revolution and all sorts of restrictions were horrified, now you are getting used to it. It was unbearable for me to break sports, but I found an alternative for myself in outdoor activities and tennis. Meetings with friends in a cozy cafe have switched to conversations in zoom, trips to shops - to online shopping. Life for New Yorkers has never been home - people here do not bake pies without a special occasion and would rather have dinner in a cafe or bar room than cook at home. With the quarantine, this has changed a lot.

I always try to look for the positive in everything, for example, due to the fact that many have left Manhattan - the real estate market has sagged and apartment rental prices have become slightly lower. For New York, with its ever-rising house prices, this is nonsense. I could not help

but take advantage of the situation and move into a luxurious apartment on the Upper East Side with panoramic low windows sills, now I can shoot for brands with a view of the city from the comfort of my home (laughs - author).

Author: By the way, Fashion Week ended recently, what has changed and how was it like this year? And in general, how are things with the fashion industry and shooting?

Karolina: Most of the official parades this year took place online, some did take place, but were private - only for photographers and the press. The world of fashion went online. Nowadays, many people have gone digital, prints work mostly either by subscription or with pre-order delivery. Brands have increased online sales, they also close offline stores, save on rent and salaries. For example, Massimo Dutti has completely closed its stores in the United States, and Karen Millen almost went bankrupt and is represented only in London. People began to consume more consciously, the demand goes for home and comfortable clothes. Also famous in New York City, Century21, a chain of branded clothing outlets that has been successfully developing since 1961 and was represented by 13 retail stores across the state, went bankrupt. The queues were kilometer long, more than near Apple on the day of sales! But with so many going online, there is more work for the models, as everyone wants beautiful content.

Photos & Copyright Holder: Evgeny Milkovich @emilkovich • Model: Karolina Geits @karolinageits HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9

Author: But how is shooting going now, what locations are available and what are the limitations?

Karolina: Of course, large-scale campaigns are impossible now, so the shooting has lost its scale. But there is a great virtue in the absence of a crowd of people on the streets - you can safely shoot street-style. New York is a city of inspiration and here every corner can become a unique photo zone. Now I mainly work in tandem with a photographer, often we travel by taxi from one location to another, so as not to contact anyone. If the shooting involves a lot of images, a stylist can come with us. Now is a very interesting and certainly challenging time for brands and not all of them will stand the test. But those who can adapt after the quarantine will rise up! If earlier it was necessary to have a good budget in order to be sold in showrooms or large stores, now there is one competition for everyone, since everyone buys online, then it does not matter where this brand comes from and where it is manufactured. I always try to support not only large and well-known brands, but also young designers. Next week I will shoot a campaign for two Ukrainian designers, but I’ll tell you about it next time.

Author: Thank you Karolina for your time and success in your future endeavors!

10 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Photos & Copyright Holder: Evgeny Milkovich @emilkovich • Model: Karolina Geits @karolinageits HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 11

MU SIC

R

Live Life

ecently, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future and my goals like many have during this pandemic. Most of us can’t wait to get out there and start living again after Covid19 stops wreaking havoc on people’s lives. This entire situation has made us realize that we need to live every second to the most. But for some, it will take a little more than a pandemic to live like they want to.

Under the influence of the people around us, teens get peer pressured into liking or disliking something, to creating or breaking relationships with others. Just the way we live can be completely turned around by someone who should not or does not have a valid opinion.

Based on social norms and the standards held in our society, we tend to do things that make us miserable. For example, in my community, students take extremely hard courses and come out of high school with a 4.5 GPA and anxiety. Meeting the goals of everyone around is not worth mental illnesses and late nights of work with no sleep. As I said in one of my previous articles, the hardest thing we need to achieve is acceptance. Not acceptance by others, but acceptance by ourselves, including our goals and whatever future we want and have planned. After all, we are our hardest critiques.

12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

A number of years ago, my music teacher and I were talking about life in general. He talked about the number of jobs and adventures he had and how he was completely stress-free about all of it. Then, a couple of weeks ago, my friend said something that really stuck with me. She said “live life”. I don’t know why, but this phrase gave me a completely new perspective about everything around us. Many teens burden themselves with past memories or future worries, unable to relieve these stresses. Whether it’s being nervous about an upcoming test or having an argument with a friend, we really are experts in bringing ourselves down. Instead of that, we should be enjoying our lives and forget about the things that are not important.

A technique to completely de-stress is to start every day with a deep breath and a clean slate. I do this to not think about the issues holding me back from having a good day and being motivated to complete all the tasks I have planned. Every single day is an opportunity to do things we love.

I look at every day as if it’s a new chapter so that I can live it to the best, filling my hours with experiences that I enjoy and moments that make me for-

get about the burdens I carry. If there is an instance where something does go wrong, I stop and ask myself the question “Will this be important to me in five years?” Bringing myself to think about the effects of the unwanted situation allows me to keep my priorities in check and move on.

We are still in our youth, after all. We can do whatever we want with our time. There is no point in spending our hours doing something that does not make us happy. We just need to live our life to the fullest. Most of us are only starting our journey. Instead of worrying about our daily struggles, we should be excited about what our future has to offer. Remember our fears prevent us from growing. Working on what we want to, being who we want to be, and living life how we want should be our goal. I am writing this article in the hope to inspire you to look at the world differently as I do.

To help you love life, be happy and “live life”.

Hitha.me Social: @OfficialHitha

Hitha

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13

ON TE LEV ISI

By Prather Jackson / Publisher EDITOR’S NOTE:

America has had white Presidents and a black President. Is it ready for America’s favorite openly Gay President?

Joseph Maldonado otherwise known around the world as “Joe Exotic” is America’s choice as an Independent Candidate for the 2016 Election of President of the United States.

His is the voice of you, the working class people who built this country. “It is time you the people, have your rights to be free to do what you want on your own property. It is time the elderly got the social security they deserve, it is time our vets get the health care the ones on DHS get. It’s time kids get to eat at school. It’s time we take our voice back.”

14 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

These words certainly resonate with the voting public. But we are not excerpting from a speech written about Senator Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump. Both men are Presidential candidates, and both are better known. Their faces have dominated the airwaves, and along with Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton,

most

Americans

naturally

assume

that statements like these would come from a short list of people running to become our next Commander-in-Chief. However, there is another candidate from Oklahoma running for America’s highest office. You may not have have heard or seen any commercials on your nightly news discussing his campaign. Yes, Joseph Maldonado, otherwise known as Joe Exotic, is also running for President of the United States of America.

In preparation of this interview, Hollywood Weekly focused our attention on addressing the most controversial issues confronting our nation. We also wanted to address the public’s concerns. The following is our candid interview with the candidate affectionally known as “Joe Exotic.”

According to a Facebook post composed by Jennine Roth, “Joe is a wonderful man who has dedicated his life to animals. He takes on abused or tortured animals that have given up on life, and cares for them

about a rule that was established 15 years ago that

in a loving, dignified and compassionate manner. He

serves only the Democratic and Republican nominees

works hard every single day. His place is way better

and blocks third-party candidates from participating

than any zoo.”

in the presidential debates. Mr. Maldonado feels a rule

In America there are two primary political parties.

that has the effect of excluding independents is unfair

If you are an independent, you have no chance of

and harmful to our democracy.

participating in the final fall 2016 presidential debates,

“The politicians and the Electoral College pretty much

and if you aren’t in the debates you can’t become

has the say so over who will become President in

president. Why can’t an independent stand on the

America. Until they met me… I have a platform that

stage with the Democratic and Republican nominees?

none of the others want to talk about.”

Because rules set by a commission dominated by the

It’s well known that Mr. Maldonado cares for over

two major parties stand in the way.

214 tigers and over 400 other animals located at the

For the men and women who run for president and vice

Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park, located in

president of the United States, the national debates are

Wynnewood Oklahoma. The first thing on his list is

a great rite of passage in the long political campaign.

to get rid of Animal Rights Organization’s that want

Every four years, tens of millions of Americans watch

to force their life opinions on other people and stop

the nominees make their case to the voters in the

allowing them to make campaign donations. He also

final weeks before Election Day. Some voters decide

is against lobbyist hired by campaigns to swing votes

who “wins” each debate; others use the debates as the

to force Americans to live by their views and rules.

means to decide for whom to vote.

Mr. Maldonado believes it should be considered

That is why Mr. Maldonado is so deeply concerned

Domestic Terrorism, when you don’t have the right

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 15

by making all of these nonprofits pay 8% tax a year instead of getting around paying taxes. Hillary Clinton foundation is setting on 432 million alone.

HW: Our country is a land of immergrants. What is your position on illegal immigrants living in the US? JE: We cannot throw 10 million illegal immigrants out of this country because we do not have 10 million people to fill these jobs. So lets give them a Social Security number, charge each one a fine of lets say $1,000.00 and put that tax money and fine money into a health care account that we will reform called medicare. We then could turn that money into 10

“It should be considered Domestic Terrorism, when you don’t have the right to live by your own choice”

Billion dollars and give everyone in the United States Free health care insurance. And it is as simple as that.

Why would we want to spend 30 Billion rounding them up and throwing them out and another 10 Billion keeping them out when for once they could be legal and do something for the people of this country.

HW: When I hear politicians taking about doling out money, I have to ask, where will this money come from?

JE: We have way to much being wasted on our

to live by your own choice. So if you want to know

military. 300 new tanks never used sitting in the bone

more about this candidate, stay tuned-in.

yard in Arizona. $10 billion dollars wasted on a hot air balloon that crashed in Pennsylvania. $10 more billion

HW: Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to

on new camouflage that did not work. It is time to put

speak to Hollywood Weekly Magazine. For purposes

some sense to this and cut the favors being given for

of this Q & A , may we referred to you as Joe Exotic?

contracts on things we don’t need and don’t use. This

JE: Yes, please call me Joe.

wasted money should be used on our veterans that are being left homeless and kicked out of their tents in the

HW: Joe, as you know, our country and frankly our

middle of snow storms two days before Christmas in

world needs help. What are your thoughts on how to

Denver Colorado and Phoenix Arizona. If Congress

change this country?

can get paid for the rest of their lives after serving our

JE: There is nearly 1.5 million nonprofits in the United

country the people who give up their lives deserve the

States I can name just 3 that are using this as nothing

same pay.

but a loophole around taxes totaling the sum of over

16 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

12 hundred million dollars a year. If we got rid of every

HW: What are other platforms that you subscribe to

one of these except live saving hospitals like Children s

that you want to discuss with the American people?

hospitals, Shriner’s etc. and lifesaving research centers

JE: Term limits on every politician and Judge in our

I could have this country out of debt in 3 years only

country. Politicians required to show up for work and

turn in their time. Clean out the politics by making

I don’t have the millions the rest of them do but I have

lobbing illegal and accepting donations in the form

a live worldwide show Thursdays through Mondays at

of campaign donations or political donations to any

6pm cst and this is the main way I get my message out

politician and put a stop to buying votes.

other than the over 160 thousand fans on facebook so

It is time the people of this country have a voice,

far. So give me a shot and listen to someone who wants

and when any law is introduced that effect the lives,

to unite this country for a change instead of keeping us

business or otherwise of the people of this country it

divided “says” Maldonado.

should be put to a public vote. Right now their vote on

Running for President as an Independent is one of

who is going to be in office really does not even count.

the hardest things Joe Exotic will ever do in his life,

Look at what the Republican party is threatening to do

however that is not stopping him from giving them a

to their very own front runner?

run for their money.

Joe believes it’s time the people have a President

HW: What role does Social Security play in your

that lives like they do, in the real world. If you want

reform ideas?

a bumper sticker, t-shirt or support Joe Exotic for

JE: I am determined that the $2.7 trillion dollars

President go to www.joeexotic2016.com

that the current and past politicians took from Social Security is put back and this is partly why we are going to abolish the IRS and just have a flat tax of 8 or 10 %. Its time everyone is treated fair in this country and that money saved and made will put Social Security back. It should be the peoples choice to legalize the sale of Marijuana, without the only people being able to sell it is the rich and who has a monopoly on it. Just the sales tax alone could pay Social Security back and keep it where it belonged and not bad investments by the Government.

HW: How to you feel about gun control or laws pertaining to these issues?

JE: I am the only candidate you will see with a 357 strapped to my right leg, I believe in the second amendment so much. If you are not a violent felon or a repeat non violent felon you should have the right to carry and protect yourself in this country.

When Maldonado “Joe Exotic” filed his papers with the Federal Election Board he never had a clue America would respond like they have. Mailing out over 3000 bumper stickers a week, yard signs and t-shirts America that has heard about him has responded like mad with over 150 million hits on his nightly show website.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 17

M F IL

Azura Skye Swerving into a powerfully emotional role

By Alex A. Kecskes

Azura Skye as Holly in The Swerve Known for her pivotal roles in the horror-mystery One Missed Call, the comedy-drama 28 Days, and the crime-drama Bandits, Azura Skye is an accomplished actress with an impressive repertoire of work in film and TV. A Los Angeles native, Skye began her career in the theatre as a child and segued into film and television in her teens. She has since performed in a wide variety of films including Red Dragon, Heaven’s Fall, and Wristcutters: A Love Story. In 2006, Skye appeared as Skyler in the comedy series The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman. Her work in television includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House M.D., The Mentalist, and Girls.

18 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

In 2015, Skye appeared in the indie Take Me To The River, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Most recently, Skye landed recurring roles as Helen McGantry in the long-running TV fantasy-drama series Charmed, and as Darla in the mystery-drama series Riverdale. Fans will remember her as Sandy Engel-Karinsky in the comedy series Working the Engels and as Fiona in the horror-drama series American Horror Story.

In the chillingly taught drama, The Swerve, Skye is Holly, a teacher and emotionally bruised mother of two on the precipice of mental illness.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. The Swerve is an emotionally charged film about a damaged woman under siege. What attracted you to the role of Holly?

Azura Skye: It’s just what you were saying. The role of Holly is an actor’s dream. You wait a lifetime hoping you’ll get a role that’s as challenging and emotional and complex as this one. When given the opportunity, I don’t know how you say no to a film like this. I’ve been doing this for quite a while and Holly is definitely the best role I’ve had in my life so far. I saw it as a real gift.

Did you audition for the role? If so, what was that like?

Skye: I did. Initially, the filmmakers expressed some interest in me.

They reached out and sent me the script. I liked the script very much and I loved the character. Then we chatted on the phone and that seemed to go well. After not hearing from them for about a month, I was told that they really liked me and that they were still thinking about it. At that point, I sent them an audition tape in the hopes of persuading them. So that, I think, pushed things over the edge.

What did you draw from to so convincingly portray a woman in the midst of emotional collapse?

Skye: Thankfully, I didn’t have to draw from real-life experience. I’m not the traumatized soul you saw in Holly (laughs). To be honest, I don’t really know what I drew from. For me, a big part of portraying Holly was opening myself up to something larger than myself. Almost getting out of the way for something else to come through. There’s no way to prepare for a character like Holly. There’s only so much you can do. Much of it simply involves showing up for the day and making yourself available to her.

There were several especially powerful scenes in this film.

Which was your favorite?

Skye: As an actor, the really emotional ones are the most fun. For the last scene in the grocery store, I woke up excited to go to work that day. There’s also a rather pivotal and heart-wrenching scene with the boys. It may sound a little weird but for an actor, that’s the fun stuff.

You rarely get to do that. As actors, it’s what we dream about, scenes that present real opportunities. While we’re just playing, at the end of the day, those scenes were really traumatic and tough for me to watch.

Was there an actor or film that drove you to pursue an acting career?

Skye: There were lots of things that drew me into acting. As a child, I grew up without a television and I didn’t watch a lot of movies. The only time I’d watch any TV shows or movies is when I went to my grandmother’s house. I’d watch old Rodgers & Hammerstein Musicals and old Bewitched episodes. Elizabeth Montgomery was the big thing back then. I also watched Shirley Jones Musicals. I remember thinking that Shirley Jones was so beautiful and brilliant in Oklahoma.

Azura Skye What have you learned about this business that surprised you?

Skye: That’s a good question. I suppose, that it’s not one continuous trajectory. It’s not like your career starts at some point and just keeps getting better and better. Like any career, there are ups and downs, valleys and summits. And that’s all part of the journey. I’m in it for the long haul. You have to be to endure those paces.

I would imagine you get a ton of scripts. What do you look for in a script and role?

Skye: It needs to be interesting and compelling with good writing. But it can be about any character or any scenario.

Had you not gone into acting, what career would you have pursued?

Skye: Perhaps some sort of linguistics. I really enjoy language, dialect.

I do write, so I would have done that. I was a dancer for a long time, so before I wanted to act, I wanted to be a ballerina. I don’t know, sometimes I think I could have been a dermatologist.

What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to….?

Skye: Leave (laughs). I left high school early when I started working at fifteen. And after I started acting, that’s all I wanted to do. So I became more autodidactic and self-taught. I was determined to educate myself.

When I was in high school, I was gone a lot—doing plays, films, and TV. So I kind of disappeared from school.

How did you balance school and work?

Bryce Pinkhamn as Rob and Azura Skye as Holly

Skye: I only had a couple of years of crossover. But it was hard and very challenging. I went to a very rigorous school, so it was like having two full-time jobs.

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SCOTT PRYOR On TULSA and the risks and joys of filmmaking

By Alex A. Kecskes

Known for the gripping drama Blackbear and the taut drama The List, actor/writer/director Scott Pryor is also a well-known trial lawyer, married, and raising three sons. Together with his wife Laura, they run Pryor Entertainment, a thriving Atlanta-based independent production company.

Inspired by true events from one of Pryor’s actual trial cases, TULSA follows a desperate marine biker whose life is turned upside-down when he’s united with the sassy 9-year-old daughter he never knew existed. TULSA is a funny and heartwarming story of redemption, family, and forgiveness—even in the darkest of times. The award-winning drama scored sixth in the category of All-Time Box Office for Self Distributed Movies.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. TULSA is an emotionally powerful, faith-based film. Can you go into the trial event that inspired you to make it?

Scott Pryor: I was preparing for a trial some years ago, representing a family that had suffered a very horrific tragedy. I asked the family I was representing how it affected them—both financially and personally. The father said, “My daughter used to love to go dancing with me, but after the tragedy, she could only dance for ten minutes before we had to leave.” So that stuck with me. And then a friend of mine, who’s kind of a grandfather to me, related his story, which was brought to life by Cameron Arnett, who played the bishop in the movie.

Many actors who direct their films say it’s not an easy process.

Can you go into the challenges you faced wearing both hats?

Pryor: Typically, when we’re filming, our two biggest challenges are time and money. We shot TULSA in 20 days. As an actor, I’ll sometimes have to walk into a scene at two o’clock in the morning. And I’ll have just 20 minutes to shoot the scene and nail it. That’s an added layer of pressure because on the production side and as co-director, 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Scott Pryor

I know that we can’t be at this location longer than 20 minutes.

Sometimes a cast member can’t shoot one day, so you’re constantly switching stuff around. On top of all that, we filmed in Augusta, Georgia.

It was a great location. Clint Eastwood used it. But it’s really hot, so being in a black leather jacket and biker boots in high 90-degree humid weather in July is—well, I Iost ten pounds. And sometimes a location would drop out and we’d have to rush over to a new location and work that out. But the flip side of all that is I got to co-direct the film with Gloria Stella, who had helped produce one of our previous films—Blackbear. We did a lot of preparation before shooting--like setting the style and color palette. My wife also helped behind the camera with creative and logistics.

Do you have a favorite scene or scenes?

Pryor: Oh boy. I have so many. I like the comedic scene when the social worker’s boss came in and grilled Tommy and Tulsa. And Tommy pretends that he’s a person of faith.

Where on Earth did you find the adorable Livi Birch? She was absolutely phenomenal.

Cameron Arnett and Scott Pryor

Pryor: We went to a casting agency. We had so many submissions.

But Livi came in and we found her to be very mature and spunky. Her mom is very sharp and rehearsed with Livi. We had an air B&B in a big house where we built this great relationship.

What have you learned about filmmaking that truly surprised you?

Pryor: That’s a good question. Filmmaking kind of follows the principle of ‘if you build it they will come.’ I was once asked how we get these great actors for our films. When we send out a script, a lot of people appreciate the strong, powerful storytelling. So what I’ve learned is that if you tell a very powerful story with a really strong script, it attracts people to the project. So the key to bringing people together is the story.

The other big draw is to offer something they believe in. We look for talent. If we see that a DP may have ‘the eye,’ even though they may have only done one film or just helped with one, we’ll bring them in. So we sometimes recruit people who have passion more than experience.

We also treat people well.

Is there an actor or film that inspired you to go into making films?

Pryor: Certainly Sylvester Stallone in his Rockys and Rambos.

The inspiration for writing a film like Rocky was a huge influence.

Then Matt Damon and Ben Affleck when they came out with Good Will Hunting. When that story came out and they won Oscars, it was another huge inspiration for me. In terms of actors, there’s Chris Pratt, Casey Affleck, Tom Hardy, and Christian Bale. And there’s Johnny Depp, who really intrigued me.

With all the flashy superhero films and the endless spate of horror films, do you feel today’s audiences hunger for feelgood, inspirational films like TULSA? Pryor: I went to a conference a couple of years ago that featured some Hollywood executives. I remember them saying that the challenge they face is finding really good, original scripts. They see sequels and prequels and remakes, over and over. So I believe there’s a huge need for feel-good films that connect emotionally with the audience. I like super interesting characters. And I enjoy stories that take a left turn when they’re going right. What I don’t like is, predictable.

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Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic, in which Tom Hanks (pictured with wife Rita Wilson) play Colonel Tom Parker, is set to resume filming on the Gold Coast. (Photo: Instagram)

Tom Hanks back on Elvis set as production hits high gear on Gold Coast

By Katrina Beikoff Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks has emerged from COVID isolation Queensland's Gold Coast, giving the green light for cameras to roll again on Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic.

Hanks’ return to the set of the Elvis biopic at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast, after flying into the country and spending two weeks in quarantine until 22 September, kickstarts a burst of film and television productions in Queensland ranging from blockbusters to reality TV shows.

The Elvis film headlines a host of new productions around the state including reality-TV show Love Island, quiz show Millionaire Hot Seat and the second season of fantasy series Bureau of Magical Things by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions on the Gold Coast.

Feature film Kidnapped and rom-com This Little Love of Mine, both by the Steve Jaggi company, have begun filming in Port Douglas and Cairns, and shooting is expected to begin on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s NBC TV show “Young Rock” in Brisbane during October.

The third season of crime series Harrow by Brisbane-based production house Hoodlum is also expected start filming in the state’s southeast in October.

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Filming of the Elvis stopped in March after Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson contracted coronavirus while shooting the biopic and returned to Los Angeles.

Productions of film and television shows across Queensland and worldwide were shut down amid mass pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, but a number of productions were able to resume in a Queensland bubble from June.

Hanks’ return to the Gold Coast on 8 September sent a major signal that the state’s film industry was one of the few locations again fully open for business, with even more productions likely to commence with the expected easing of pandemic restrictions at the end of September.

Love Island, the dating reality show featuring “Australia’s sexiest singles,” is one of the productions that has confirmed its move to the Gold Coast, making it the first time the show has been staged in Australia after the first two series were filmed in Spain and Fiji.

Channel Nine confirmed the Gold Coast location of the Love Island villa and production as part of their Nine Upfront reveal of new and returning programs for the year.

“Season three will see a new group of Australia’s sexiest singles who have given up on finding love the modern way – by being an influencer and sliding into another influencer’s DMs – to embrace the love quest in the traditional way: in a villa on the Gold Coast filled with cameras and really hot people,” Nine said in a statement. Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia.

The production joins Nine stablemate Millionaire Hot Seat, that has moved 30 episodes to the Gold Coast, with host Eddie McGuire commencing taping in the last week of September. The Gold Coast move is the first time Millionaire, Australia’s longest-running quiz show, has left Melbourne.

The move to Queensland has already been a hit with Queenslanders, with the show’s producers closing contestant applications within 48 hours following a stampede by applicants hoping for a shot at winning $1 million.

Columbia Shuswap Film Commission

FilmColumbiaShuswap.com • film@csfilm.ca • 250-833-5947

CATALINA FILM FESTIVAL HONORS ACTOR MARTIN KOVE WITH CAREER TRIBUTE AWARD Catalina Film Festival rolled out a Drive-Thru Red Carpet for the 10th Anniversary and Carpool Cinema event honoring Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove, Saturday, September 26th at the Scottish Rite Event Center in Long Beach. Riding in style, Kove arrived in an SUV provided by The Cots Group Car service to the world's first-ever, film festival drive-thru red carpet. Upon arrival, CFF Founder and Executive Director Ron Truppa kept social-distancing protocols in place, as noted by their 6 ft. kick session on the carpet, prior to presenting Catalina Film's Career Tribute Award, handed off to Kove

by CFF Tech Director Michael David Smith wearing a hazmat suit.

“This trophy looks like so many things in one’s career, “ said Kove upon receiving his Tribute Award. “You think something will be monumental and have a great effect on the public and it might go straight to DVD, and then there are projects like Cobra Kai or VFW that rise to the occasion. There’s chemistry there, like in The Karate Kid, nobody ever thought that was going to be the gift that keeps on giving.”

Martin Kove is best known for his role as evil karate sensei, John Kreese, from The Karate Kid films and Netflix series Cobra Kai, and has over 100 films under his belt, including Rambo II opposite Stallone, six seasons on Emmy-Award winning TV show, Cagney and Lacey, and Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Tarantino, a long-time fan of Kove, hand selected the veteran to appear in the film.

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Kove also stars in CFF 2020 Official Selection short film, The Roommates, alongside Barry Bostwick and Bruce Davison, written & directed by recent NYU grad Cameron Penn. The Roommates was featured in the LA Social Club block of shorts that kicked off Saturday's Carpool Cinema presentation.

Guests and VIPs literally drove-thru CFF’s red carpet prior to parking-and-watching the Carpool Cinema features each night. Friday, Sept 25th celebrated the annual Wes Craven’s Horror/Thriller block featuring short films all in competition for the coveted Craven Award. CFF is the only competitive Festival in the world to have an award sanctioned by the king of horror himself. Taking home the trophy was Need Anything, written and directed by Buz Wallick, starring his wife and producing partner, Mary O’Neil, pictured with their Director of Photography Jonathan Louis Lewis.

Other notable attendees included (below) actor Maximilian Acevado (Netflix's hit, The Babysitter: Killer Queen); actor Gregory Zarian, (Westworld, Days of Our Lives, Bones); TV personality Vanessa Decker, host: Bloody Disgusting and Haus of Horror for Dread Central; Lindsay Hearts, founder and designer for FOXBLOOD, a readyto-wear fashion line, headquartered in downtown LA. Missed the Fest? Watch the Industry Panels, Carpool Cinema & Drive-Thru Red Carpet Arrivals on Catalina Film's YouTube. Watch LIVE Tuesday, September 29th for the full list of 2020 Best of Fest Winners at 10am PST/ 1pm EST on YouTube or Facebook.

Martin Kove

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29

Hollywood Weekly - Page Turners Summer has quickly turned into fall. Our love for reading has been rewarded. Enjoy Bedside Reading’s top picks. If you’re venturing out, our new novel amenity, ebooks and audiobooks can now be found at luxury hotels from New York to California to Florida. Read on…

Follow Bedside Reading on Instagram @bedsidereading BedsideReading.com

A Borrowed Life by Kerry Anne King From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes an emotional and sharply witty novel about how life’s unexpected detours can ultimately bring you home.

The Sisters of Kestrel Cay by Kelly Utt A terrible accident, a sister’s betrayal, and the bonds that keep families together against all odds. It’s the first book in the exciting Summer Isle Series.

On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life

by Heidi Herman “An upbeat and sincere primer on living one’s best life.” -Kirkus Review.

Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More by Mallika Chopra From the author of Just Breathe, Mallika Chopra, daughter of Deepak Chopra, comes a full-color guide empowering kids ages 8-12 to problem solve, harness inner strength, and gain grit and emotional awareness. Featuring full-color illustrations, Just Feel is an engaging and easy-to-read guide that introduces kids to the building blocks of resilience and grit.

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A motivational gift book filled with stories, encouragement, and ideas to add more vitality and activity into your everyday life.

Carry on, keep doing what you’re doing, forge ahead and keep moving. Icelanders have a saying for it: Áfram með Smjörið - on with the butter!

The Book of Lost Names

by Kristin Harmel INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the “epic and heart-wrenching World War II tale” (Alyson Noel, #1 New York Times bestselling author) The Winemaker’s Wife. The Book of Lost Names is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of bravery and love in the face of evil.

The Summer Sand Pact

by Jessie Newton

These five best friends made a Summer Sand Pact as teens and have only kept it once or twice—until they reunite decades later and renew their agreement to meet in Five Island Cove every summer.

Echoes (Echoes Trilogy Book 1)

by A.M. Caplan At the edge of sanity lies an extraordinary truth. Discovering it may be the last thing she ever does. Hannah thinks she’s losing her mind. After hitting and killing a man with her car, his body and blood vanish without a trace. Desperate to prove she isn’t insane, she searches exhaustively until she finds him—alive and unharmed. Taken under the wing of the handsome stranger, she’s stunned to learn he’s part of an ancient race of immortals. But so is his deranged sister, and she murders every person who learns his secret. And though Hannah is as tough and resourceful as they come, how can she hope to stop a psychopath who cannot die?

Veritas: A Neil Baggio Suspense (Book 1 of 4) by Charles D’Amico Neil Baggio has adjusted to life after the Bureau, finally accepting he may never close the case of his mentor-turnedfamed-killer, Cappelano. But Cappelano isn’t finished with his student yet. Neil is still in need of his teachings, and Cappelano will do everything in his power to finish the lesson. After a rash of killings by Cappelano, Neil is drawn back into the Bureau and his unfinished business with his mentor. But to finally put things to an end, he won’t play by the Bureau’s rules again. He’ll have to color outside the Bureau’s lines if he’s going to catch Cappelano once and for all.

My Final Breath

by Paige Dearth An unbearable tragedy. A life cut short. A dead girl searching for truth. Twelveyear-old Molly suddenly wakes up dead in Limbo after spending four years in and out of hospital beds.

Fearful of being forgotten by her family, she wants nothing more than to return to Earth, until her guardian exposes the grim truth about her demise. Devastated, Molly learns everything she believed about her life and death was a lie. But the greatest blow arrives when Molly discovers she isn’t the only one who suffers from unexplained ailments.

Unable to reach the living, Molly can only hope for an intervention to prevent the same terrible consequence from happening again. My Final Breath is a suspenseful psychological thriller about an intolerable offense ripping a family apart. If you like twisted tales of loyalty, deception, and intentional acts of evil then you will love this gripping story.

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I Am Definitely, Probably Enough

(I Think): Revelations on the Journey to Self-Love by Tori Press Begin your journey to self-love with inspiring messages of hope as well as actionable moments from Instagram artist Tori Press.

Life is a journey. And even though everyone’s journey is different and unique, we all share one thing that binds us together—our search for self-acceptance and self-love.

The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John Sex, betrayal, and intrigue: A dream vacation on a luxurious yacht turns deadly in this pulse-pounding beach read “chock full of delicious characters who flaunt their sins . . . like the latest Birkin bag” (Adriana Trigiani).

The Heir Affair

by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Making it up the aisle was the easy part: Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals and adjust to royal British life in this “timely and positively delicious” follow-up to The Royal We that’s “just as fun, charming, and delightful as the first.” (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

A Suitable Necklace by Kim Akhtar Sabine Kumar, a con-artist and cat burglar, returns to Delhi with a scheme to exact revenge on JJ Singh, her ex-partner and lover, who, five years prior, gave her up to the Indian police and cut a deal to save himself, sending her on the run.

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One By One

by Ruth Ware The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Turn of the Key and In a Dark Dark Wood returns with another suspenseful thriller set on a snow-covered mountain.

Getting snowed in at a luxurious, rustic ski chalet high in the French Alps doesn’t sound like the worst problem in the world. Especially when there’s a breathtaking vista, a full-service chef and housekeeper, a cozy fire to keep you warm, and others to keep you company. Unless that company happens to be eight coworkers…each with something to gain, something to lose, and something to hide.

Novel Amenity for Hospitality, Reward Programs and Events Bedside Reading® launched a new program called Bedside Reading /onthedownload on September 17th in response to the impact of the pandemic and the hospitality and event industries.

The unique program offers a monthly curated collection of bestselling e-books and audio books that can be gifted as a virtual amenity and shared with loyal clients across multiple verticals. Green and touchless, the program is ideal for the hospitality, rewards and event industries and their guests and clients.

For partner hotels, “on the download” will deliver an array of eight curated downloadable complimentary DIGITAL books to be provided to guests before they arrive, while on property or for their return home.

Books of all genres (from fiction to non-fiction, business, wellness, and children’s) from major publishers and independent authors, as well as exciting and informative conversations from Bedside Reading’s Authors that Thrive podcast series, will be available. The amenity is customizable to reflect the eclectic character of each 5-star and boutique hotel.

Bedside Reading®, has been placing complimentary books by the bedsides in The Hamptons since 2009 and in luxury hotels and boutique properties nationwide since 2017. Hotel partners in the new program will include The Acqualina Resort & Residences, Fairmont Miramar, Conrad New York Downtown, Dream Inn, The Waldorf Astoria Chicago and many others.

In addition to hotels and resorts, Bedside Reading’s ongoing partnerships with the world’s leading publishers, as well as many independent publishers and authors align with the company’s mission to help authors build their fanbase by connecting their books to the event and meeting industry as an element in virtual giftbags and a way to provide the books of keynote speakers and presenters.

The first collection of books includes Just Feel by Mallika Chopra, The Changemaker by Deke Copenhaver, Challenge Everything by Scott Cullather and Kristina McCoobery, Live True by Ora Nadrich, Never Sit If You Can Dance by Jo Geise, Fille Perdue by Charles D’Amico (audiobook), The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel and Never Say Goodbye by Kim Sakwa.

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po et ry

Stanzas On Lonely Men Looking For Lady Death (12s)

By Anthony Ewart

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STANZAS 1 THROUGH 24 PART ONE: Lawrence Finds His Rusalka (Stanzas 1 through 8)

STANZA SEVEN

STANZA ONE

She spoke in a whisper: "Why do you want to die?"

Lawrence stared in her dark eyes and started to cry.

"Don't ask me questions let me tell this world goodbye."

The Rusalka thought 'Is this really my first guy?"

He was a physicist like his hero "Feynman."

And like Tesla found himself alone in the end.

Sitting on a bench feeding bread to Jenny Wren.

Daydreaming of "Rusalka" killing him again.

STANZA EIGHT STANZA TWO In front of a lake he watched the orange Sun set.

He'd come for three months hadn't seen Rusalka yet.

But tonight a distant shadow caused him to sweat.

Did she crawl out from the lake his beautiful threat?

The one perk for Rusalkas is killing a man.

Rusalkas are all doomed spirits that's their lifespan.

Suicide from love is how their nightmare began.

Killing someone 'already hurt' was not her plan.

PART TWO: Leticia the Rusalka (Stanzas 9 through 16)

STANZA THREE

STANZA NINE

Lawrence gripped the bench the air chilled him to the bone.

A woman came with black hair born to be windblown!

Her skin a 'Grey' he doubted "E. L. James" had known.

Her eyes Black Diamonds from some Museum on loan!

Leticia Gutierrez was a gorgeous girl.

Intoxicating black hair eyes like a black pearl.

Leticia was a Salsa Queen to see her twirl!

And then a man spun her life on a hell-bound whirl...

STANZA FOUR

STANZA TEN

Her full length coat of feathers was raven or crow.

'I'm not "Charlie Parker" either way it could go.'

Black ankle-strap heels and grey toes with a white glow.

Her eyes a 'Solar Eclipse' shot from a crossbow!

The first man to break a woman's heart hurts so much.

You've crushed the goodness she thought this world had to touch.

Women are born believing in goodness and such.

Men take that away and place their life in a clutch.

STANZA FIVE

STANZA ELEVEN

"How...," Lawrence began, "How will we...you...it happen?"

She smiled so pretty Lawrence felt himself 'pulled in.'

His body was 'yanked up' and walked like misshapen!

"This is it," Lawrence closed his eyes with a faint grin.

Leticia knew her love would never stop cheating.

'A new boyfriend NO I don't care how entreating.'

'My body will be seen no more this was fleeting.'

Then she killed herself after a prayer meeting.

STANZA SIX

STANZA TWELVE

Lawrence stopped walking, frozen, inches from her face. ...Was he dead, Lawrence opened his eyes just in case.

Pretty black eyes, pretty smile, 'grey skin's' out of place.

Her thick black hair still blowing with slow-motion grace.

As a Rusalka Lawrence should be her first kill.

But seeing him cry made Leticia lose her will.

Soon she'd have no choice but Leticia had "Soul" still.

Helping him might be the last good thing to fulfill.

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STANZA THIRTEEN

STANZA SIXTEEN

In darkness Leticia whispered, "Look at my feet."

Lawrence peeked at her grey toes glowing like white heat.

"It's all that's left of my Soul soon I'll be deplete."

"Let's talk about women who die and men who cheat."

"My name is Leticia, what do you call yourself?" "...I guess Self-Deprecation's what I call myself."

Leticia laughed, "With that confidence who needs wealth?"

"Come back," Leticia said, "Friendship will help your health."

STANZA FOURTEEN

PART THREE: Lawrence and Leticia the Rusalka (Stanzas 17 through 24)

They moved from under the trees and felt the Moonlight.

Lawrence walked on his own and just stared at her sight.

Leticia's black feathers glorious in the night!

Her skin was grey but her pretty smile had teeth white.

STANZA SEVENTEEN

STANZA FIFTEEN Leticia spoke her eyes on the Moon on the lake.

"When you die there are many facts that you intake."

"I turned my back on the world because of heartbreak."

"I betrayed the Moon now I'm forbidden daybreak."

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Lawrence wobbled from the lake his body shaking.

His legs were jelly the Earth seemed to be quaking.

The chilled air proved it was no dream this was waking.

His Rusalka didn't kill she was breathtaking.

STANZA EIGHTEEN The traffic light colors were so bright that they hurt.

Lawrence's senses were alive fully alert.

He saw the true world now before he'd been inert.

He met a Rusalka...she let him leave unhurt.

Layout by Denise Chavez Photos by Pixabay

STANZA NINETEEN

STANZA TWENTY-TWO

Of course the most bizarre event came at the end.

Meeting a Rusalka he would not recommend.

But if you do meet her be nice and don't offend.

She might not kill you but tell you she'll be your friend.

Her tears came harder now but she had a child's smile.

"Can I be a girl again and 'wish' for a while."

"Pretend I'm not in trouble or guilty at trial."

"I wish...wish I can reach you on my pillow pile..."

STANZA TWENTY

STANZA TWENTY-THREE

A group of pigeons saw Leticia and scattered.

"You used to love me," she said, "I was so flattered."

"Now you fly from me as if on it life mattered."

"You're right to fear me, my friends, my Soul is shattered."

Showered, calm and in bed Lawrence watched the Moonlight.

Leticia said they could meet on another night.

'But what if she's "changed" and her feet don't "glow" as bright?'

Lawrence laughed 'Then she'll do what I came for tonight.'

STANZA TWENTY-ONE

STANZA TWENTY-FOUR

Leticia sat on a bench, alone, doomed to hell.

She looked at the Moon and her eyes began to swell.

"You're the one true light I see now, Mademoiselle."

Tears came..."I forgot you and was trapped in a cell."

"The Rusalka..."

A man invaded Leticia's space, "Girl, what's this?"

Leticia said, "If you're married you'll be remiss."

The man said, "What my wife don't know my wife won't miss."

Leticia whispered in shadows, "Sit then...let's kiss."

AE 9.9.2020 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 37

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Arnell’s Bar B Que, was dedicated to the mother of Rodney and Raeshell. We decided to name our business after our mother to keep her legacy going. Arnell “MaMa” McKeller was the mother of 6 children (4) girls and (2) boys. Arnell was the oldest of 6. Arnell was married to George McKeller for about 40 years. Arnell was born in Ft Worth, Tx on September 4th, 1940.

Arnell loved cooking for her family, she had so many different recipes. All of her grandchildren call her “MaMa”, there was never a dull moment with her. Arnell wore many hats. She truly loved the Lord and she was a faithful worker for God. She drove buses for Mansfield ISD for 20 plus years, she played the piano for her church for a number of years. Arnell was a loving and caring person.

So naming our business after our mother was the best decision we have ever made, keeping her legacy going is very important to us. Our mother instilled in us to keep God first in all that we do, and to love hard, and to take care of family. We thank God for blessing us with such a loving and caring mother.

Arnell “MaMa” McKeller

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